Help Mrs. Ruthie Hopkins & Joshua Rebuild After CA Fire

Blessings to All,

My name is Jamal-Dominique Hopkins and I am a native of Altadena, CA.

On the evening of January 7, 2025, the devastating Eaton Canyon fires swept through Altadena and Pasadena, California, destroying countless homes—including my beloved childhood home located on Loma Alta Dr. in Altadena. My mom (Ruthie Hopkins) and son (Joshua Hopkins) lived in this house…until now…

In 2019, we sent Joshua to Altadena to help my parents after my dad, Joe Hopkins, suffered a debilitating stroke. Sadly, my dad passed away in October 2023. Joshua, however, chose to stay to support my mom, who now at 81 years of age, has health challenges that prevent her from walking on her own.

As many might know, my mom is the former (and only) editor, publisher and co-owner (with my dad) of the Pasadena/San Gabriel Journal, which was the area’s only Black-owned newspaper. Until recent health challenges, she was involved in her local A.M.E. church and served as a member of the A.K.A. sorority, an organization where she also was the former president of her local chapter.

When the fires broke out on January 7th, my oldest brother heroically ensured that my mom and son were safely evacuated to a nearby city (since all hotels in the Altadena/Pasadena area were fully booked).

Unfortunately, when my brother returned to check on my mom’s home (my childhood home) the next day, he discovered it had been completely burned to the ground. Along with the house, my dad’s SUV—used to transport my mom to her doctor appointments—was also lost.

This has been absolutely heartbreaking for our family. We are grieving with my mom and son who lost everything in the fire!!! They were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Therefore, we are humbly seeking your help to provide my mom and Joshua with the essential items they need to begin rebuilding their lives. Donations will go toward:

•Temporary housing accommodations

•Food and necessary monthly medical perceptions

•Clothes, shoes, socks, pajamas, house shoes, and other personal items

•Toiletries and hair products

•Medical supplies for Mrs. Ruthie (such as Depends, a walker, a portable toilet, etc…)

•Resources to help my mom rebuild her home and replace necessary items

•Bed, bedding, blankets and pillows

•Laptop and drawing iPad for Joshua (he also lost all of his artwork, art supplies & materials, And computer equipment (laptops, 3-D printer, etc.).

Any contribution, no matter how small, will help my mom and son get through this incredibly difficult time. Your support means the world to us as we work to restore some sense of normalcy after this unimaginable loss.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.